Rögle Ängelholm beat Tappara Tampere in a heated CHL Final on Tuesday night to become 2021/22 CHL Champions.
We caught up with Rögle’s top points scorer this season Ludvig Larsson and new signing Vojtěch Mozík after the final buzzer to talk about the game and what winning the European Trophy in front of a sold-out crowd in Ängelholm’s Catena Arena felt like.
I’m almost speechlessRögle Ängelholm forward Ludvig Larsson
“It’s unbelievable,” started Larsson, “to be able to do this in front of our own fans is amazing. There are so many emotions going through my mind right now. I’m almost speechless”
Larsson joined Rögle at the start of the 2021/22 season and has been one of their best players in the CHL this season, ending on 14 points (5G, 9A).
Mozík on the other hand is a fresh signing for Rögle and has only played a handful of games for his new club so far. Tuesday’s CHL Final was his first CHL game for Rögle.
“It’s great to have won the CHL,” said 29-year-old Czech native Mozík, “I’ve only been here a while, but I’m really glad to have been here for this.”
“I’m also really glad to have signed for Rögle, one of the best teams in Europe!”
Rögle Ängelholm scored just minutes into the game thanks to a rapid-fire goal from Daniel Zaar. They added goal #2 in the second period before Tappara Tampere opened their scoring for the night in the final frame.
Luckily for Rögle, the Finns were unable to break down Rögle’s strong defence again as the biggest game of the 2021/22 season ended in Rögle’s favour.
Going 2-0 up was great for usRögle Ängelholm forward Vojtěch Mozík
“It was a tight game, any team could’ve won,” said Larsson, “but we played a solid game defensively and made sure we executed on our chances.”
“Daniel Zaar scored two huge goals for us and we came out winners.”
What decided the Final in Mozík’s view? Going 2-0 up.
“Tappara played well, but going 2-0 up was great for us, afterwards we protected our lead,” he said, “it’s just a shame they scored in the final period, that threw us off and the final minutes were a bit chaotic. But a win’s a win!”
Both Larsson and Mozík were really looking forward to the celebrations.
“We have a game on Thursday, but we’re definitely celebrating tonight, that’s for sure,” said Larsson, with Mozík adding: “We’re really going to enjoy these celebrations!”
Any they did. The Trophy ceremony and the celebrations with the fans were loud and fun.
The atmosphere in the sold-out Catena Arena was electric. Fans chanted, sang and pushed Rögle on as the Swedes claimed their first piece of international silverware.
“The atmosphere was unreal, the fans really pushed us forward,” said Mozík, “the stadium was sold-out, and it was just amazing.”
“I’m really happy for the fans and for this community,” added Larsson, “this is going to be one of many championships for this club and I’m excited to be here.”